Recent Posts

Stress kills. Doctors and health professionals agree that chronic stress attacks the body and systematically destroys an otherwise healthy organism. Research published in 2008 showed that up to ninety percent of all primary care doctor visits dealt with stress-related complaints. Millions of people receive medical advice that links stress relief to pharmaceutical drug use. Safe, long-term health care demands that attention be turned to the proper reduction and management of stress using science and research that point to a healthy alternative.

The most harmful effect of stress first occurs in the brain. Strategies and solutions to minimize and cope with the effects of stress must therefore begin with the brain. Scientists conducted a 2017 study on the brain utilizing a $3 million PET (Positive Emission Tomography) scan. A PET scan provides an imaging test that allows doctors to check for diseases and adverse function in the body. The scan injects a special dye with radioactive tracers into a vein in the arm. Organs and tissue absorb the tracers and allow the PET scanner to evaluate function while measuring an array of data ranging from blood flow to oxygen use and much more. Doctors primarily use PET scans to test for cancer and to evaluate the function of the heart, brain, and nervous system.

The 2017 study evaluated the effects of a Chiropractic adjustment using the PET scan technology on 21 different subjects. The PET scan determined that brain function increased and stress levels decreased in every single subject. Measurements also recorded the occurrence of multiple changes in brain activity. Movement, posture, emotions, learning, and memory centers of the brain all improved after the Chiropractic adjustment. Brain processing experienced a reduction in fight or flight activity and led to relaxation in the brain and reduced tension in muscles. Measurements also showed a decreased level of stress induced chemicals in the saliva.

The PET scan concluded that Chiropractic adjustments reduce stress by changing the brain. Regular Chiropractic care amplifies the body’s natural defense against chronic stress and disease. The 2017 study adds another page into an ever growing compilation of evidence-based research proving the positive impact made by regular Chiropractic adjustments on hormones, emotions, cognition, and memory. Chronic stress begins in children and manifests in disease and sickness at all ages. Stress continues to be the single largest reason for doctor-related visits in today’s culture. Chiropractic plays a vital role in helping men and women of all ages overcome the effects of stress without dangerous drugs and chemicals.

A study conducted by the Spinal Research Foundation and published in the Journal of Neural Plasticity in January 2016 shows that chiropractic spinal adjustments significantly increase activity in the brain’s prefrontal cortex, the area where higher learning and cognition happen.

The study was conducted in the lab of an independent medical professor from Aalborg University Hospital in Demark, where his bioengineer collected and analyzed the data.

Chiropractors have long observed a wide variety of changes in the people under their care following adjustments, with patients reporting that they feel better or focus better and those who notice improvements in movement and coordination.

The prefrontal cortex runs important control mechanisms, including joint position sense — the brain’s ability to know where the arms and legs are in space. It also controls mental rotation. The study showed that a chiropractic adjustment changes brain function by almost 20 percent on average.

Researcher Heidi Haavik noted that this effect on the function of the prefrontal cortex could explain many previous research results, such as improvements in sensorimotor function relevant to falls-prevention; better joint-position sense in both the upper limb and the lower limb; improved muscle strength in lower limb muscles; better pelvic floor control; and better ability to carry out mental rotation of objects.

“Being able to accurately perceive the world around you is a vital skill we need all day every day,” Haavik added. “To recognize some objects you may need to mentally rotate them. For example to recognize the letter p versus b if they were not upright you would need to rotate them in your mind to figure out which letter it was. We all do mentally rotate shapes and objects we see, but we may not often think about that we do it, or how important this is in our daily life.”

Haavik said that she and her team are excited about the evidence regarding the location of changes post-adjustment. “This is solid scientific evidence that adjusting the spine changes the way the prefrontal cortex of the brain is processing information from the arm,” she said. “It demonstrates we change the way the brain works and shows that spinal function impacts brain function. One of the most interesting things about the changes we observed was that the prefrontal cortex is responsible for behavior, goal directed tasks, decision making, memory and attention, intelligence, processing of pain and emotional response to it, autonomic function, motor control, eye movements and spatial awareness.”

It possesses a wide range of mobility in nearly every direction. The neck serves as a conduit for the major blood vessels to the brain and is the primary pathway of the central nervous system. The cervical (neck) region of the body is one of the most important areas of the body and a growing body of research clearly shows that its structural integrity and function are absolutely critical to overall health and healing.

The brain and the spinal cord make up the central nervous system. The spinal cord is often thought of as just a cable that transmits nerve messages, but it is actually a direct part of the brain. The spinal cord plays a crucial role in the health and homeostasis of the human body by sending and receiving billions of nerve messages every single second.

The Central Nervous System is so vital to overall health and functioning of the human body that it is protected by the hardest substance in the body — a series of vertebral bones that make up the spinal column.

The human vertebral column, or spinal column, is a highly versatile mechanism and displays all the rigidity, strength, and leverage required in the job of a crane. In contrast, it is extremely elastic and flexible. The vertebral column exhibits more varied functions than any other unit of the human body.

The small bones of the spine are called vertebrae and are designed to fit together in an S-shape. This column of curves is balanced so that the weight of the human body is evenly distributed throughout the spine. If these curves are out of balance, the vertebrae are pushed out of line, placing abnormal stress on the nerve pathways, muscles, and soft tissues of the spine.

When viewed from the side, the vertebral column shows four normal curves. The curves of the vertebral column are important because they increase its strength, help maintain balance in the upright position, absorb shock during walking and runni1 ng, and help protect the spinal column from fracture.

PRINCIPLES OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

The curves of the spine are important because they allow the spine to support more weight and to withstand more stress than if it were straight. This is because the curves increase resistance to axial compression — that is, headto-toe squishing of the spine. That means ten times more weight can be supported by a curved spine than if it was straight.

Humans are born with a C-shaped spine and the spinal curves develop in resistance to different gravitational stresses that affect the body.

The first spinal curve to develop is the cervical curve and it develops as the baby learns to lift its head.

Head Support: The cervical spine supports the weight of the head, which weighs between 10-14 pounds — about the same as a bowling ball. With proper posture, the weight of the head is held directly above the center of gravity. In a forward head position, the head is held ahead of the center of gravity and results in a stress load on the cervical spine that is equivalent to the weight of the head multiplied by the number of inches the head is forward from the center.

Mobility: The spine is a dynamic structure; designed for movement in a wide variety of positions, including flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation of the head. Specialized articulation between the occiput and the atlas (C1) allows for 50% of the flexion and extension of the neck. Specialized articulation between the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) allows for 50% of the rotation of the neck.

Protection and Transmission: The spinal cord and nerve roots are encased within the protective structure of the spinal column. Pairs of nerves exit in the intervertebral foramina (IVF). When the spine is in its optimal structure, the spinal cord and nerve roots are protected.

Loss of this optimal spinal structure results in the interference of normal nerve transmission.

The human body contains millions of sensory receptors that supply input into the Central Nervous System (CNS) to allow it to control and coordinate all bodily functions.

Each receptor is sensitive to a form of physical energy — mechanical, thermal, chemical, and electromagnetic.

The receptors transform stimuli into electrochemical energy that the nerves use to supply sensory information into the CNS.

Encased within the joints of the body are different types of mechanoreceptors that enable our bodies to unconsciously monitor the exact position of our muscles, joints, and bones — a process called "proprioception." Proprioception is our "body sense": If you have ever tried to walk after one of your legs "falls asleep," you will have some idea of the difficulty in coordinating muscular activity without proprioception. Mechanoreceptor input into the CNS occurs at an optimum state when the biomechanical integrity of the spine is intact. Loss of spinal structure diminishes important sensory input into the CNS.

It is widely recognized that proprioceptive input from muscles, joints and other receptors is necessary for the accurate control of movement and posture. Loss of proprioception results in large systematic errors in multi-joint movements attributed, at least in part, to impaired motor programming. 2

JOURNAL OF NEUROPHYSIOLOGY

OPTIMAL STRUCTURE OF THE CERVICAL SPINE

When discussing the human body, it is important to understand that the word “normal” applies to a condition that is optimum or ideal, rather than a condition which might be considered “average” for a large group of people.

The point is not to try and determine an exact ideal of what everyone’s body conforms to, but rather to use the laws and principles of physics, math, and neuroanatomy to determine a range of optimal normal values to which everyone can strive to achieve.

Health care is slowly changing from a symptom/disease-based system to a function/performance-based system in which the structure of the human body is restored and maintained. Correction and maintenance of the structure of the spine, in particular the cervical spine, is of paramount importance in the pursuit of optimal health.

Gray’s Anatomy clearly shows how spinal muscles leave the greatest pivotal stress at C1 and C4-C5 to allow for the greatest strength and potential energy. This demonstrates that there must be lateral curves for peak performance.3

There is a mechanical basis for these normal anatomic curves; they give the spinal column increased flexibility and augmented, shockabsorbing capacity, while at the same time maintaining adequate stiffness and stability at the intervertebral joint level. 4

CLINICAL BIOMECHANICS OF THE SPINE

“The normal curvatures of the spinal column lie in the plane of the sagittal suture. The curves absorb vertical forces in a spring-like fashion and this has shock-absorbing qualities. The ideal shape of the spine was elucidated by Killus(1976) with the help of computer analysis. Killus superimposed 150 measurements and with the help of further conversions, found the ideal spinal column.” 5

NORMAL BIOMECHANICAL STRESS ON SPINAL FUNCTION

“A study in the research journal Neurosurgery, of patients who required surgery for cervical spondylotic myleopathy, revealed that those patients who had a normal cervical lordosis prior to the surgery showed significant post-operative neurological improvement over those surgical patients who did not have a pre-operative cervical curve.” 6

NEUROSURGERY

Because of its mobility, relatively small structure, and weightbearing role, the cervical spine is a frequent site of spinal nerve trauma, subluxations, and fixations.

When you have sensitive nerve pathways passing through such a mobile structure, the potential for breakdown is high.

The cervical spine has the greatest amount of potential for malfunctions and for creating health problems that affect the entire health and function of the body.

THE CERVICAL SPINE AND TRAUMA

The cervical spine is susceptible to various forces that cause the vertebrae to lose their proper structural position. These types of traumas include macro trauma, such as auto accident/whiplash, sports injuries, and falls; repetitive or micro-trauma, such as work tasks and poor postural habits; and early development trauma, which includes childhood falls and even the birth process.

Whiplash injury is caused by a sudden exaggerated thrust of the head backwards, forwards, and sometimes sideways.

There are often no visible bruises or abrasions from this type of injury, yet victims report classic symptoms following the accident — even years after its occurrence.

The symptoms are due to abnormal structural stress of the vertebral bones and soft tissue of the head and neck. Whiplash injury is most often associated with automobile accidents, but can also occur due to impact sports, domestic violence, playfully tossing a small child into the air and even amusement park rides.

WHIPLASH FACTS

Over one million Americans each year suffer a whiplash

injury

25% of whiplash victims suffer from chronic pain

disabilities;

1/7th of whiplash victims report pain 3 years after initial injury.

U.S. Automobile Accident Statistics 7

"In speaking of the forces generated in the head and neck as a result of whiplash, the convention is to use the term G. One G is equivalent to the acceleration resulting from the earth's gravity, 32.2 feet/sec. Ewing measured the maximum peak acceleration of the head of human volunteers exposed to nominal 10-G, 250-G/sec runs and found the surprising high\ force of 47.8 G. Thus, in some cases, the head may accelerate up to 5 times the input acceleration."8

CROFT & FOREMAN

The birth process, even under normal conditions, is frequently the first cause of spinal stress. After the head of the child appears, the physician grabs the baby's head and twists it around in a figure eight motion, lifting it up to receive the lower shoulder and then down to receive the upper shoulder. This creates significant stress on the spine of the baby.

"Spinal cord and brain stem injuries occur often during the process of birth but frequently escape diagnosis. Infants who survive often experience survive often experience lasting neurological defects. Spinal trauma at birth is essentially attributed to excessive longitudinal traction, especially when this force is combined with flexion and torsion of the spinal axia during delivery."9

Dr. Abraham Towbin

The proper structure of a baby's spine must be maintained, as the primary ossification (rigid bone development) is not complete until approximately 3-6 years of age. Deviation from proper spinal structure resulting from the birth process can result in abnormal spinal development.

Vertebral subluxation is perhaps the most accurate description of loss of normal vertebral position.

Vertebral subluxations alter the protective structure of the spine, which causes abnormal nerve transmission, resulting in a state of disharmony and lowered resistance in the body.

Vertebral subluxation also causes abnormal joint physiology, resulting in a degeneration of the bones and soft tissues of the spine.

Vertebral subluxation and loss of cervical curve is devastating to a person’s health and are well documented by leading health authorities.

“Neural dysfunction associated with acute or chronic subluxation syndromes basically manifest as abnormalities in sensory interpretation and/or motor activities. These disturbances may be through one of two primary mechanisms, either direct ner root disorders of a reflex nature.” 10ve or nerve

CERVICAL SPINE TRAUMA

“Encroachment or narrowing of the intervertebral canals may be the result of some involvement of the proximate soft tissue structures and/or the bony structures. Irritation of the cervical nerve roots may give rise to pain, sensory changes, muscle atrophy, muscle spasm, and alteration of the tendon reflexesanywhere along their segmental distribution. Any condition causing narrowing of the intervertebral canals may cause compression of the nerve roots. “ 11

Ruth Jackson, M.D.

THE CERVICAL SYNDROME

“An injured joint is likely to cause persistent, disturbed, sensory feedback to the central nervous system and therefore existing motor programs have to be modified. Sensory receptors in the joint can influence muscle tone. This produces interdependence between biomechanical and neurological mechanisms.”

NEURO-ORTHOPEDICS

Alfred Brieg, leading neurosurgeon, has shown that the loss of the normal cervical curve stretches the spinal cord anywhere from 5 to 7 cm and results in abnormal tensions on the hindbrain, cranial nerves, cervical cord, and cervical nerve roots.

BIOMECHANICAL EFFECTS OF POSTURAL CHANGE

Abnormal rotations and translations on the soft tissue in the cervical canal are depicted in the figure at right. In A, the neck is in the normal lordotic position.

The cord is relaxed and folded in the posterior. The nerve roots are relaxed. Loss of curve B, the cord is stretched, the nerve roots are stretched, and the nerve roots are pressed upward against the pedicles of the vertebra.

SPINAL DEGENERATION

Spinal degeneration is the gradual and progressive breakdown of vertebral joints and related structures due to long-standing misalignments or vertebral subluxations, caused by deterioration of the intervertebral disc, bad posture, or a variety of traumatic injuries. When left uncorrected, these spinal misalignments cause abnormal biomechanics which erode joint surfaces. This degenerative process is similar to the abnormal wear on automobile tires when left unbalanced.

To stabilize the degenerating joints, the body deposits calcium at the edge of bone, resulting in irregular joint surfaces and arthritic spur ring. Although it has been suggested that aging is responsible for degenerative changes in the spine, recent research indicates otherwise. According to Anatomico-Roentgenographic Studies of the Spine, the incidence of degenerative changes varies from one segmental level to another. The C5/C6 level is most frequently involved, with C6/C7 being the level most frequently affected. The C2/C 3 level is the one least likely to exhibit degenerative changes. Clearly, the primary cause of spinal degeneration is abnormal stress loads on the biomechanics of the spine.14

“The aim of this study was to determine whether F-16 pilots are at an increased level of cervical spine degeneration versus pilots who do not fly F-16s and therefore are not exposed to the Gforce stress on the cervical spine. In total, 316 pilots were evaluated, 188 F-16 pilots and 128 pilots in the control group. Two radiologists, who were blinded as to whether the x-ray films wer e of F-16 pilots or the control group, examined these x-rays separately. In both groups, the time between the pre- and post-x-rays was an average of six years. Results: Both radiologists found comparable statistically significant differences between the groups. In the F-16 group, an increased osteophytic spurring was found at levels of C4-C5 and C6-C7 and increased arthritis deforms were found in the cervical spine. These findings demonstrated that the increased biomechanical stress on the cervical spine was responsible for the degeneration.” 15

AVIATION SPACE ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE

Spinal degeneration often goes undetected because of the lack of pain and symptoms during the early phases. During the later phases, pain, loss of mobility, stiffness, and a host of neurological conditions become more common

“I have seen pain and illness of the human body caused by subluxations.” 16

Dr. Louis Casamajor

Professor of Neurology

We have been conditioned to believe that health problems begin or are indicated by some type of a symptom, but nothing could be further from the truth.

In any health condition, the symptoms are always the last thing to show up and the first thing to go away.

Vertebral subluxations are often referred to as the “silent killer” because they destroy the health and healing potential of the human body long before the presence of any symptoms.

Cervical spine surgery is often necessary in cases involving major accidents, trauma or other obvious pathologies, but in many cases, the surgery could have been prevented by using a mechanical or corrective approach. Most cervical spine surgeries involve the removal of part of or all of the disk or bone, and then fusing the vertebrae together with a bone graft, either in front of or behind the spine. The bone graft may be one of two types: an autograft (bone taken from another part of the person’s body) or an allograft (bone supplied by a bone bank donor). Often, metal plate screws or wires are also used to further stabilize the spine. Cervical spine surgeries always result in loss of function and mobility in the cervical spine.

CERVICAL SPINE SURGERY STATISTICS

From 1979 through 2009, spinal surgeries increased 137%, while the population on who almost all of the surgeries are performed rose only 23%.

The rate of cervical spine surgery increased 53% from 1979 to 2009, and the rate of cervical fusion surgery increased more than 70%.

The rate of spinal surgery in the United States is 40% higher than any other country.

Complications of cervical spine surgery include nervous system complications (15 per 1,000) and death (6 per 1,000).17

National Center for Vital Statistics

CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH CARE

The science of Chiropractic is founded on the premise that a properly functioning nervous system is the foundation of health, and that the structural integrity of the spinal column must be maintained in order to facilitate optimal nervous system transmission and communication.

Virtually all spinal problems are caused by some type of mechanical or structural stress; therefore, it stands to reason that they require a mechanical correction. Drugs can do little more than suppress the symptoms that may be associated with spinal conditions and surgery, even when required, can eliminate some of the more obvious structural effects of subluxations, but neither can correct and restore the optimal structure of the spine.

Doctors of Chiropractic detect and correct vertebral subluxations by physically adjusting the spine to restore normal spinal function and balance which allows the nervous system to send and receive information. This allows the inherent healing potential of the body to best express itself.

Chiropractic adjustments restore the normal structure of the spine and maximize the posture of the human frame — a process that is unique to the Chiropractic profession

The Chiropractic correction of the spine is not something that happens overnight. The time frame for correction varies with individuals.

The corrective process requires time, and usually corrective exercises and changing of ergonomic and postural habits, but the results are worth it.

The pre-care x-ray (fig. 1) shows a lateral view of the cervical spine in which the normal cervical lordosis (curve) has been lost.

This has resulted in vertebral subluxation and abnormal stress on the spinal nerves, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. If left uncorrected, spinal degeneration will occur over time.

The post-care x-ray (fig. 2) shows a lateral view of the cervical spine that has undergone Chiropractic care.

The cervical curve (lordosis) has been restored, resulting in the removal of nerve vertebral subluxations and restoration of normal balance, mobility, and stress loads on the spine.

Doctors of Chiropractic have been correcting vertebral subluxations in patients for over one hundred years, which has resulted in the recovery of virtually every known health problem and condition. It is important to remember that all healing is ultimately self-healing and that a Chiropractor simply removes the interference (subluxation) from the body’s master control system.

The effectiveness of Chiropractic care (referred to in scientific literature as “adjustments” or

“manipulation”) has been demonstrated by thousands of scientific research and case studies.

“Even infants can be affected by life- and healthdamaging effects of vertebral subluxation, according to a study by Dr. V. Fryman, M.D. The study, published in the Journal of the American OrthopedicAssociation, says that out of 1,250 infants chosen at random, 211 of them suffered from nervousness, vomiting, muscular abnormalities, tremors, and insomnia. Two hundred (95%) of those children had abnormal cervical (neck) muscle strain, indicating vertebral subluxation. When the subluxation was adjusted and the muscle strain removed, an immediate calming effect resulted: the children’s crying stopped, the muscles relaxed, and the children fell asleep.” 20

“Interference to the nervous system results in damage within a short period of time and, therefore, Chiropractic care should begin at birth on a preventive basis. “ 21

Dr. Arpad DeNagy

Factual evidence strongly suggests that the atlas adjustment has an effect on the entire nervous system, primarily through its effect on joint mechanoreceptors. The most important proprioceptive information needed for maintenance of equilibrium is derived from the joint receptors of the upper cervical spine, appraising the orientation of the head with respect to the body. Upper cervical misalignments can adversely affect reticular formation activity by abnormal afferentation to the thalamus.

UPPER CERVICAL MONOGRAPH

“Subluxation alone is a rational reason for Chiropractic care throughout a lifetime from birth.” 23

Dr. Lee Hadley, Syracuse Memorial Hospital

“Chiropractors have suspected involvement of the somatoautonomic reflex, and current experimental findings suggest this is a valid assumption. It appears from clinical research that abnormal spinal reflexes can set into motion a wide variety of abnormal pathological and functional processes. The somatoautonomic reflex hypothesis may be the most logical justification for the use of chiropractic adjustments for conditions other than pain.” 24

Robert A. Leach, THE CHIROPRACTIC THEORIES

“Spinal manipulation applied to a restricted atlanto-occipital joint results in an immediate disappearance of spontaneous activity in the oblique capitus superior muscle. With spinal manipulation, this is more rapid than either anesthetic applied to the joint capsule or to the muscle directly.” 25

MANUAL MEDICINE

“If people truly understood the value and importance of Chiropractic, they would hold their Chiropractor at gunpoint, if necessary, in order to ensure their family was adjusted.” 26

Dick Gregory,

Comedian, Author, and Political Activist

“Capsular or ligament injury results in loss and deactivation of mechanoreceptors — the proprioceptive role of the affected segment is adversely affected. Spinal manipulation may help activate receptors and restoring proprioceptive control reduces the chance of re-injury. Hence, it is an important consideration in

COMPLIMENTS OF

Athletes have been benefiting from Chiropractic care for many years; however, it has only recently been receiving attention from the media. Athletes of all types, from the weekend warrior to the world-class athlete, utilize Chiropractic because it is a drug-free way to better health and performance.

Chiropractic adjustments help ensure that the body functions as efficiently as possible, which can maximize healing and recovery from all types of injuries.

“I would estimate that at least 90% of world class athletes use Chiropractic on a regular basis to prevent injuries and to improve their performance.”

SEAN ATKINS, Ph.D. Exercise Physiologist

A research study conducted by Drs. Anthony Lauro and Brian Mouch, published in the journal of Chiropractic researchand Clinical Investigation, 1991, indicated chiropractic care might improve athletic performance by as much as 16.7% over a two week period. The report also concluded that subluxation-free athletes react faster, coordinate better, execute fine movements with improved accuracy and precision, amounting to an overall better athlete.

The following is just a partial list of athletes who use Chiropractic care:Top professionals in every sport are under chiropractic care to increase health and performance. The following are just a few sports stars under chiropractic care.Mindy Mylrea, World Champion – “We put a great deal of stress on our bodies, so chiropractic is very helpful.”Bernard Horn, Men’s Champion – “My chiropractor is really phenomenal. I’ve gotten stronger and greatly increased my flexibility.”Larry & Todd Wise, World ChampionsJose Canseco – “I’ve found that it’s a great stress reliever to get adjusted. It takes away a lot of the tightness in the muscles”Wade Boggs – “Last year I found Dr. Newman (chiropractor), and I have been seeing him ever since. I have been pain-free and feeling terrific. I swear by it. Now, it is just maintenance and keeping in line so the nerves don’t touch.”Greg Mathews – Credits chiropractic with helping him get off the disabled list and overcome a career-threatening slump!Ryan Sandberg – His wife Cindy explained, “He’s had some awesome games after getting an adjustment. He was frequently adjusted before games.”Mark McGwireJohn SmolzChris SaboRobby ThompsonKirt ManwarningMark PortugalBrett ButlerWes ParkerDon SuttonRoberto ClementeRick MondayJeff ReardonDan Schayes – “I use chiropractic as my main source of healthcare.”Gerald Wilkins – “I didn’t know how much I could improve until I started seeing a chiropractor. Since I’ve been in chiropractic, I’ve improved by leaps and bounds, both mentally and physically.”Michael JordanCharles BarkleyRobert ParishJack SikmaScottie PippinJohn StocktonKenny SousaJoel ThompsonBrent SteinerFred KlavenArnold Schwarzenegger – “Bodybuilders and fitness people have been using chiropractic very extensively in order to stay healthy and fit. I found it was better to go to a chiropractor before you get injured. We are a perfect team- the world of fitness and the world of chiropractors.”Lee Haney, Mr. Olympia (1984-91)Clifta Coulter, Miss USAJohn Defrendis, Mr. USAGrace Lewis, World Champion Power Lifter, Record HolderKevin Levrone, National ChampionRick Valente, ESPN’s “Body Shaping”Evander Holyfield – “I have to have an adjustment before I go into the ring. I do believe in chiropractic. I found that going to a chiropractor three times a week helps my performance. The majority of boxers go to get that edge.”Rocky Marciano, Heavyweight Champion 1956Jack DempsyTony LopezMichael CarbojolMuhammad AliJoe Montana – “I’ve been seeing a chiropractor and he’s really been helping me out a lot. Chiropractic’s been a big part of my game.”Joe Montana and 35 of his teammates received chiropractic care right before the 1990 Super Bowl Game.Irving Fryar – I definitely believe that chiropractic care has attributed to my fitness. I don’t think I could maintain my level of play without chiropractic. When I go to Dr. Napoli for an adjustment I immediately feel better.”Emmit Smith – “I go see Dr. Bill (chiropractor) when I get bent out of shape on Sundays. Playing in a football game is like being in 30-40 car accidents.”Crawford Kerr – “Dr. Bill (chiropractor) kept me on the field many times.”Atlanta Falcons TeamSan Francisco 49ers TeamDetroit Lions TeamDenver Broncos TeamDallas Cowboys TeamEd “Too Tall” JonesCharles HaleyRoger CraigBob HayesSean LandetaPaul FrazeRicky BellDammone JohnsonAlex KarrasMark MayGary ClarkTerry KirbyKeith JacksonMike IngramMike TimsonBill FralicWarren MoonDan MarinoTerance MathisGary DownsByron HanspardRuffin HamiltonCraig SaurLester ArchambeauRonnie BradfordTim DwightBob ChristianJoe ProfitLenny McGillKeith CrawfordCoey LouchieyFred Funk, PGA Tour Professional – “I do believe chiropractic has really benefited my game. Over the last three years, I feel I have become more exposed to, and knowledgeable about, the benefits of chiropractic for me and my game. I realize how your body can get out of balance, and chiropractic care helps…..”Barbara Bunkowsky, LPGA Tour Professional – “I have found that chiropractic keeps me flexible and pain-free so that I can perform at my highest level. The benefits of chiropractic have improved my golf swing, putting less stress and strain on my body and allowing me to be a more productive golfer. I believe it also helps prevent other associated injuries that are very common on the LPGA tour.”Patti RizzoSandra PalmerLynn ConnellyBeth DanielJan StephensonDonna WhiteKim BaurPatty SheehanLynn AdamsSally LittleAmy AlcottMary Lou RettonOlga KorbutDetroit Redwings TeamWayne Gretzky

Tiger Woods “Being a chiropractor patient has really helped me immensely.”“…lifting weights and seeing a chiropractor on a regular basis has made me a better golfer. I’ve been going to Chiropractors for as long as I can remember. It’s as important to my training as practicing my swing.”Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk need treatment, but still combine to win in Friday four-ballsChiropractor Tom LaFountain, left, holds an ice pack on Tiger Woods’ back as they walk down the 11th fairway during the better-ball matches at the Presidents Cup Friday, Sept. 23, 2005, at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Va. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)

Lance Armstrong: Jeff Spencer, D.C. has been working with Lance Armstrong since January of 1999, helping him to keep his body together for the harsh demands of the Tour de France. After last year’s Tour de France, Lance said that he could not have won without Jeff’s help.

Joe Montana, One of the most recognizable celebrity/athletes, holder of four Superbowl rings, three Superbowl MVP’s and Player of the Year in 1990 has just agreed to become the spoke person for Chiropractic in the State of California. Joe Montana “Chiropractic care works for me.”Brett HullGeorge Angat Jr., US Lightweight Champion – “The split second that can be added to my speed by my chiropractor could be crucial.”Manager-Denis Doucette – “Chiropractic care gives him that little advantage, that little extra strength and quickness and allows him his best opportunity to regain his title.”Dan O’Brien, Decathlon – “You obviously can’t compete at your fullest if you’re not in alignment. And your body can’t heal if your back is not in alignment. It was the holistic idea that I liked about chiropractic and tat is what track and field is about. Every track and field athlete that that I have ever met has seen a chiropractor at one time or another. In track and field, it is absolutely essential. Chiropractic care is one of the things I think that no one has denied or refuted.”Joe Greene, Long Jump – “I know chiropractic helped me. It helped my performance and I feel better.”Alberto Juantorena, 400 & 800 MeterBruce Jenner, DecathlonMac Wilkins, DiscusDwight Stones, Hi-jumpEdwin Moses, HurdlesMaria Maricich, SkiingSuzy Chaffee, SkiingMary Decker, TrackWillie Banks, Triple JumpJoseph Arvay, WrestlerNancy Ditz, MarathonBefore I had regular chiropractic care, I had only “first aid” type care a few times prior. I guess you could say I was in a slow physical decline. From childhood on, I was determined to achieve my goals and desires, however it was becoming tougher – I was doing it with less ease and good humour. When I began regular chiropractic care and maintenance, it was not due to any crisis, but rather as a realization that things couldn’t continue as they had been. I immediately felt lighter, stronger and more aware of everything that was happening around me. This included my body and it’s performance levels, even my taste buds. I grew an inch at the age of 39.

I became far more energetic, clearer of mind and in time with the intuitive component of myself. To me, this constitutes success – living life to its fullest potential. Chiropractic has meant I have greater resilience, quicker recovery from fatigue. I have a lifestyle that in any ones estimation is hectic and physically demanding and I found this no longer had any negative impact on me.

Vale Peter Brock, “Let’s be frank, preventative health care and general well being are what society needs, not more drugs or procedures that encourage people to hand responsibility for their health to others. Chiropractic care has only realised a small part of its true potential. I believe it needs to be very clear and patient with its objectives. The great temptation in this current era is for instant gratification and instant results. Compromise is acceptable but never at the loss of one’s integrity. Chiropractic and other therapies will eventually surpass those that don’t recognise the true nature of who we really are.The ever increasing trend towards non intrusive, natural health care therapies simply presents an acceptable choice to the vast majority who had placed much of their power in the hands of those saying they have the answers.”

31 percent of NFL teams use Chiropractors in an official capacity as part of their staffs and a full 77 percent of the trainers have referred to a Chiropractor for evaluation or treatment. A survey of certified NFL trainers revealed that 100% of them agree that players will use Chiropractic without referral from the team medical staff.1

The science of Chiropractic is founded on the premise that a proper nerve supply is essential to controlling and regulating the functioning of the human body.

The central nervous system controls every activity in the body by sending and receiving nerve messages and is protected by the bones of the spine called vertebrae.

When the spine is in its optimal structural position, the nerves are protected and optimal communication exists between the central nervous system and the rest of the body.

The vertebra of the spine is susceptible to certain stresses and forces, which can cause them to lose their proper structural position.

These minor misalignments of the spine referred to as “subluxations” cause nerve interference and weaken the entire structure of the spine.

Athletic training can often jar and misalign the spinal column, because the spine is at the center of the body. Impact to the legs, feet, head, shoulders and torso often radiates to the spine.

Doctors of Chiropractic detect and correct vertebral subluxations by physically adjusting the spine. This restores the spine and nervous system to a more optimal level of function, which maximizes the body’s performance and healing potential.

Anyone who engages in athletics can benefit from regular Chiropractic checkups to ensure that their spine is balanced and free from structural stress and subluxations. When the spinal column is brought into balance and alignment, the body's nervous system and body biomechanics (posture) are maximized.

"Postural strength and coordination are essential for injury prevention and sports performance" 3

Thomas Harris, MD The Sports Medicine Guide

"Posture affects and moderates every physiological function, from breathing to nervous system function, and despite the considerable evidence that posture affects physiology and function, the significant influence of posture on health is not addressed by most physicians" 4

American Journal of Pain Management

I n an average year, 25 million people visit a doctor for injuries that they suffer as a result of athletics. In professional sports, injury is the number one reason for early retirement.

Overall, 67 billion dollars is spent each year for the treatment of athletic injuries. 5

U.S. News and World Report

There are essentially two categories that athletic injuries fall into: acute or traumatic, which is usually the result of a sudden impact or unseen force; and repetitive overuse such as swinging a racket or a golf club. In fact, virtually every workout results in micro-injuries as the body is torn down and then rebuilt through rest and recovery.

As a society, we have been conditioned to believe that symptoms are bad and that the key to health and recovery is their removal. However, symptoms are actually part of the body's healing and repair process

“Symptoms represent the body’s best efforts to heal itself. By treating symptoms, you are suppressing the body s natural response and inhibiting the healing process. Instead of treating symptoms, doctors should stimulate the body’s defenses to allow for completion of the healing process.” 6

Dr. Stephen Cummings

If you had a fire in your house, you would not cut off the alarm and then relax, thinking that the fire is gone. The same thing happens to your body when you continue to ignore or mask symptoms. This is why athletes often develop chronic injuries.

"Many treatments, compounds and medications claim to speed the rate of healing. I have not read a single scientific article that demonstrates that healing time can be increased artificially. You cannot beat nature. All doctors can do is to be very careful that they do not slow down the natural healing process." 7

William Southmayd, MD

Chiropractic's focus on the nervous system and postural biomechanics allow the body to function properly and to heal itself. The healing process always occurs from within the body, but research has shown that Chiropractic has an amazing potential to assist the body in the recovery process.

"The quality of healing is directly proportional to the functional capability of the nervous system to send and receive nerve messages" 8

Journal of Neurological Science

More sports-related non-fatal injuries are treated in hospital departments than any other type of unintentional injury. Standard medical procedures may be necessary when an athlete is

“Chiropractic has helped thousands of athletes, amateur and professional overcome an injury without resorting to surgery.”9

A Canadian research team included Chiropractic care in the rehabilitation program of sixteen injured female long distance runners. Not only did these runners recover quickly, seven of them actually scored "personal best"

10 performances while under Chiropractic care.

The extent of Chiropractic's "winning edge" was tested on fifty athletes who were divided into a control group and a group, which added Chiropractic care to their usual training procedures.

After six weeks, the group under Chiropractic care scored significantly better on standard tests of athletic ability. When tested on their reaction time, the control group demonstrated less than one percent improvement, while the Chiropractic group achieved reaction times more than eighteen percent faster than their initial scores. 11

A landmark research effort from the New Zealand School of

Chiropractic and the

University of Auckland, has evaluated the effects chiropractic adjustments may have on reaction times. Two groups were tested to study variations in reaction times; one group received spinal adjustments, while the other group, only receiving a short period of rest, acted as a control group for comparison.

There was a marked improvement for the group that received an adjustment over the group that received nothing but rest. The group that got only a rest period did show an average decrease in reaction time: 58 milliseconds, an 8% faster reaction time. The group that received the chiropractic adjustment showed a decrease in reaction time of 97 milliseconds, representing a 14.8% faster reaction time.12

The implications for these findings are far reaching for any activity in the game of life, and the data can objectively support anecdotal evidence of enhanced athletic performance under chiropractic care. The ability to react more quickly to any of the demands life can impose provides added performance enhancement benefits for athletes, who rely on optimum reaction reflexes to perform at their maximum competitive capacity. Field based practice experiences indicate that chiropractic care appears to both enhance an athlete s ability to perform and to recover from injuries when they occur; this study provides objective evidence that a vital component of athletic performance rapid reaction time is markedly improved through the chiropractic adjustment.

TOP ATHLETES UTILIZE CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR BETTER PERFORMANCE“Athletes are always looking for ways to improve their performances on the field; Chiropractic is one of the best ways to accomplish this"

Dr. Nick Athens, Team DC San Francisco 49ers

"I definitely try to get on a basis where I use Chiropractic at least twice a week. I would say definitely say that it helps me to perform at a higher level"

Emmit Smith, Dallas Cowboys

“My shooting has improved because of Chiropractic. If feel more balanced and have more coordination and control. Since I have been under Chiropractic care, I have improved by leaps and bounds"

Gerald Wilkins, New York Knicks

"Chiropractic is essential for running. If I could put a percentage value on it, I would say that I compete 8-10% better from regular Chiropractic”

Dan O'Brien, Olympic Decathlete

"I have to have an adjustment before I go into the ring. I do believe in chiropractic. I found that going to a chiropractor three times a week helps my performance. The majority of boxers go to Chiropractors to get that extra edge.Evander Holyfield, Heavyweight Boxing Champion

It is estimated that 30 million children now participate in organized sports including soccer, football, swimming, gymnastics, hockey, skating and baseball. Correspondingly, as participation increases, injuries increase. Sports injuries to young people now exceed the occurrence of infectious disease.13

More than 700,000 children under the age of 15 are taken to the hospital emergency room for treatment of sports-related injuries. In fact, children between the ages 11-15 account for 55% of all sports-related injuries that require hospitalization.14 Sports and recreational activities account for 4.3 million or 36% of all injuries to children in the United States.15AMERICAN FAMILY PHYSICIANThe increase in emergency-related injuries for children includes well-known injuries such as broken arms and twisted ankles-these injuries are certainly not new. What is new; however, are the types of children s sports injuries seldom seen in past generations. They are overuse injuries caused by small, but repetitive injuries to the body s tissues, joints and spinal column resulting in chronic health conditions.

Chiropractic adjustments for children of all ages are of tremendous benefit for the treatment and prevention of injuries and to maximize performance potential.

Chiropractic s focus on the spine and nervous system is also important for children, since it is their nervous system, which controls their entire growth and development

CHIROPRACTIC FACTS

Chiropractic is the fastest-growing and second-largest primary health care profession.

COMPLIMENTS OF

Americans are living longer than ever before. The human life expectancy is increasing and barring unforeseen circumstances, we can expect to live to a ripe old age-that is a ripe old calendar age. Though are life expectancy has increased, the quality of our lives and our health has not. The United States continues to be one of the unhealthiest nations in the developed world.

Most of us do not want to live to be 90 if the last 30 years are filled with illness, disability and dependence of family and nursing homes. We want to be able to play golf, take long walks and enjoy our families. We want those extra years to be quality years. Longer lives do not mean much if they are not active lives. The quality of those years will largely be dictated by the choices we make in the preceding years, choices designed to stave off the aging process.

GENETICS & AGING

Assuming that a person's entire life is "written" in the genes that they are born with has been a major mistake in recent healthcare philosophy. The more we learn about genetics, our biological inheritance, the more we realize that for the most part, our lifestyle decisions and behaviors have far more impact on longevity and health that does heredity. A person's genes define their basic biology, but health decisions and habits control the way genes will affect the body and health in general.

“Genes are unquestionably the fundamental units by which our bodies are constructed. However, pure genetic determination does not adequately explain the varied capabilities of our biology. A more accurate view of the role of the genome is to see the genes as providing the overall plan for the developmental pathways. The environment to which the individual is exposed will modify the actual pathway.”1

PETER NATHANIEL, MD

Life in the Womb

“The major function of your genes is to transmit health and the inborn resolve to remember wellness. In the sickness paradigm, we are taught that disease-carrying genes determine our destiny. This is a false view. If we were truly destined to live by our genes, we would suffer from the thousands of diseases experienced by our ancestors for as long as we lived, which would not be very long at all. Disease-carrying genes are not our destiny, because they must answer to our inner compass-our healing force.” 2

EDWARD A. TAUB

"America's Wellness Doctor"

“The environment in which you grow up is as important as your DNA in determining the person you become. Certain genes can lead to vulnerability, but not inevitability.” 3

NEWSWEEK

A NEW PARADIGM OF AGING

It used to be thought that aging is the ticking away of some internal clock to a predetermined plan laid down in your genes. Dr. Leonard Hayflick, a noted research scientist, grew human cells in tissue cultures and showed that they could subdivide to create new cells only a limited number of times.

This fibroblast replicative limit, as it was termed, appeared to show that the human cell has an inbuilt timer that eventually runs down. The evidence looked good and the study was repeated in several laboratories, but numerous scientists could not accept the aging “clock” theory.

One problem with tissue culture experiments is that the life of the cells is dependent upon the adequacy of their nutrition. If there is even the slightest deficiency in the nutrient, medium used to grow the cells or in the air, water or temperature, or any one of a hundred variables, then the cells will accumulate damage. Every successive cell division is then progressively impaired until the cells no longer replicate and dies. These cell deaths havenothing to do with an internal clock, but are causedby environmental damage.

Chronological age is not biological age. How do we know this? There are two main lines of evidence.

First, though average levels of many physical functions show a progressive decline with age, there is a wide variability within aged groups. Some individuals show no decline at all. That these individuals exist indicates that chronological aging is not an inevitable cause of biological aging

Often a person will blame a health condition, such as a bad shoulder, a bad knee, etc on their age. But if age were to blame, then it would stand to reason that both shoulders and both knees would be degenerated and not just one limb. Theseproblems are due to cumulative stress andtraumas, not to the passage of time.

The second line of evidence that aging is in fact degeneration caused by abnormal stress is the continuing discoveries that aging process previously considered natural do not occur at all in some human populations. Blood pressure for example, rises with age in the American population, and used to be considered an inevitable part of aging. Science knows now, however, that there are numerous populations, mostly isolated from Western society, in which the elderly have the same blood pressure as the young. Science has known that rising blood pressure is caused by complex factors in the environment of Western society.

When members of populations migrate to Western society, their blood pressure begins to rise with a few years.

Osteoporosis is a major health concern for western women; however, women in other cultures around the world do not suffer from osteoporosis and similar degenerative disorders.

TIME IS NOT THE ENEMY

The Human Body is an amazing collection of synergistic entities controlled by what can only be described as innate intelligence. The body is designed to be totally self-functioning and selfhealing.

We tend to think of healing when we suffer a cut on our arm or have broken a bone, but healing is a constant process of replacing old cells with new cells.

For example, red blood cells are replaced at a rate of about 100 billion a day, with one trillion total red blood cells in constant circulation.

The body is constantly analyzing what is happening within the body and what is happening in the environment outside the body and makes adaptive changes as necessary.

Aging can best be defined as the gradual loss of the body's ability to respond to the environment.

Aging, per se, is not just the effects of chronological time, but also the abnormal stress we place on our body, which gradually breaks it down.

This is caused by a number of things by including inactivity, chemical pollution and neurological and postural stress.

INACTIVITY & DISUSE

The human body is designed to move. The technological age of labor- saving devices and sedentary living often detracts from the biological necessity for movement.

Disuse is deadly; many degenerative diseases plaguing Americans have a portion of their roots in sedentary, inactive lifestyles. as much as 50 percent of the decline in physiological functioning-weak muscles, stiff joints, low energy levels--is actually due to disuse and not a normal consequence of age,"

The human body is designed to move. The technological age of labor- saving devices and sedentary living often detracts from the biological necessity for movement. Disuse is deadly; many degenerative diseases plaguing Americans have a portion of their roots in sedentary, inactive lifestyles. As much as fifty percent of the decline in physiological functioning--weak muscles, stiff joints, low energy levels--is actually due to disuse and not a normal consequence of age.

"More people die of a sedentary lifestyle than from smoking.” 4

Everett Koop, Former Surgeon General of the U.S

Without movement you could not sustain life: blood cells that don't move cannot transport oxygen, lungs that don't move can't breathe, hearts that don't move can't pump blood, and spines that don't move can't create the motion required for proper joint nutrition, for the activities of daily living, or for the stimulation of the joint-brain pathways required for proper brain and body function.

Spinal movement stimulates brain function in the same way that a windmill generates electricity for a power plant. Half of all the nerve impulses that are sent between your brain and body in your spinal cord are for the delivery of movement stimulation to the brain.

This enables the brain to coordinate activities such as concentration and learning, emotions, motor control, and organ function. Movement charges your brain's battery and makes you able to think better, feel better, and function better, all of which are essential to health and longevity.

“Better than 90 percent of the energy output of the brain is used in relating to the physical body in its gravitational field.

The more mechanically distorted a person is the less energy available for thinking, metabolism and healing."5

Dr. Roger Sperry, Nobel Laureate

Proprioception is the term used to describe the ability to sense the position, location, orientation and movement of the body and its parts, all which are important to movement and brain function.

Spinal proprioception plays a critical role in modulating protective muscular reflexes that prevent injury or facilitate healing. Sensation is the fundamental ingredient that mediates the proprioceptive mechanism.

The joints of the body act as sensory chambers, which relay proprioceptive information between specific neural pathways and the central nervous system (CNS). These neural pathways also transport the necessary sensory motor information, which modulates muscle function.

The disruption of muscle and joint mechanoreceptors from physical trauma results in partial deafferentation of the joint and surrounding musculature, thus resulting in diminished proprioception and increased nociception. This predisposes the joints to further injury and accelerates the degenerative aging process.

“Mechanoreceptors in cervical facet joints provide major input regarding the position of the head in relation to the body. With aging, mild defects impair mechanoreceptors function. With decreased proprioception, body positioning in space is impeded and the patient becomes reliant on vision to know the location of a limb. To compensate for the loss of proprioception in the legs, the feet are kept wider apart than usual. Steps become irregular and uneven in length. As impairment increases, the patient becomes unable to compensate. With severe loss of proprioception, the patient is unable to get up from a chair or rise after a fall without assistance.” 6

Caranasos, MD, Gait Disorders in the Elderly

CHEMICAL POLLUTION

The United States is the most medicated nation in the world. The U.S. consumes 68% of all of the drugs in the world at the rate of 250,000 pills an hour, twenty-four hours a day.

Drugs are foreign to the body. Drugs work by altering the body’s natural biochemistry in order to suppress symptoms. Even with suppressed symptoms, the true cause of the problem may grow worse with the body’s natural healing mechanism compromised by the drugs. In, fact by interfering with normal cell function, drugs cause cellular malfunction, which is the same as causing disease. In addition to toxicity, drugs also cause severe nutritional deficiencies by depleting the body of essential nutrients.

Antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and steroids all damage the human digestive system by impairing the ability of the body to digest food and absorb nutrients. Steroids main side effect is to increase many of the parameters of aging. This includes arthritis, degenerative changes of joints, etc. These are all well documented in scientific literature.

Research has shown that NSAIDS, such as aspirin and ibuprofen interfere at the cellular level with the mechanism responsible for rebuilding and repairing cartilage. NSAIDS actually cause degradation of joint cartilage causing further degeneration to the joints. This inhibits normal joint movement, which inhibits normal stimulation to the brain

NEUROLOGICAL STRESS

The human body can respond and adapt to just about anything it encounters provided it is a state of homeostasis, which means that the body is able to send and receive nerve information. The central nervous system is the master control system of the body and every single function reflects its activity. Nerve impulses travel from the brain, down the spinal cord and out through nerves to all parts of the body. Nerve impulses then return to the brain through return pathways.

Recent research has clearly shown that even activity that occurs at the cellular and molecular levels are controlled and coordinated by the central nervous system.

The central nervous system regulates the aging process and dependent upon healthy stress responses, determines longevity. Proper neurological signaling in the human body is the primary key to psychological, emotional, immune and hormonal health and longevity

There is a greater quantity of communication in the human body than all of the combined manufactured communication systems in the world and the coordination and precision of neurological and biological communication systems is un-paralleled.

The entire body is wired for cell signaling so that the body can repair, restore and coordinate physiological and psychological activities. This enables our bodies to optimally adapt to physical and psychological stressors.

Cell signaling with growth factors is more fundamental to the body than is breathing. Cell signaling begins before birth and ends just before death. Loss of cell signaling underlies ineffective adaptation. Inability to adapt is the pathway to death.

To stay healthy, as well as repair cell damage during aging, our cells continuously talk to each other to know how to behave in context with the surrounding environment. Cell signaling isfundamental to coping with stress, the underlyingcomponent of functional aging.

“No one could survive without precise signaling in cells. The body functions properly only because the cells constantly communicate with each other.” 8

Scientific American

Aging was earlier defined as gradual loss of the body's ability to respond or adapt to its environment. We can take that one-step further and state that aging is the breakdown of communication between the nervous, immune and hormonal systems of the body.

The Role of the Nervous System in Lifespan Determination

Recent studies in diverse organisms have provided evidence that, indeed the brain may control lifespan. Signaling pathways involved in both central nervous system and peripheral stress responses and regulation of energy metabolism may play important roles in lifespan determination.

The brain also controls neuroendocrine systems strongly implicated in aging. The hypothalamicpituitary system has a strong influence on lifespan. A consistent feature of environmental and genetic factors that increase longevity is that they increase cellular resistance to stress. The brain coordinates the responses of the whole body to such stressors on both rapid and long-term time scales by modulating the activities of neuroendocrine pathways (involving the hypothalamus and pituitary gland) and the autonomic nervous system.

The responses typically involve a behavioral response (fleeing the mugger or tiger), a vascular response (increased blood pressure and diversion of blood flow from the gut to muscles) and a metabolic response (increased mobilization of glucose). An increased ability of an organism to escape from a potentially lethal stressor will obviously increase its probability of having a long lifespan, and this is one way the brain can determine average lifespan. “However, the brain may also control maximum lifespan by its ability to stimulate signaling pathways that increase the resistance of cells tostress.” 9

M.P. Mattson Aging Research Reviews

VERTEBRAL SUBLUXATIONS

The vertebra of the spine protects the central nervous system. Because the spinal column is moveable, it is also susceptible to various stresses and forces, which can cause them to lose their proper structural position. These minor misalignments of the spine, known as “vertebral subluxations” inhibit normal spinal movement, which causes nerve interference resulting in decreased nervous system, function, improper healing and accelerated aging

Subluxations also alter the optimal structure of the spine, which weakens it and increases degeneration. Vertebral subluxations are often referred to as the “Silent Killer” because they can be present for long periods without any evidence of pain or symptoms. This is similar to a cavity eating away at a tooth.

Any force that the human body cannot adapt to can cause a vertebral subluxation. Such examples include auto accidents, work related injuries, stress, sports, and repetitive movements even the birth process.

Vertebral subluxations are devastating to a person’s health and longevity and are well documented by leading health authorities.

“Subluxation is very real. We have documented it to the extent that no one can dispute its existence. Vertebral subluxations change the entire health of the body by causing structural dysfunction of the spine and nerve interference. The weight of a dime on a spinal nerve will reduce nerve transmission by as much as sixty percent.” 8

Chang Ha Suh, PhD

Abnormalities of central afferent and efferent pathways have been revealed by evoked potential studies in diabetic patients. Central Nervous System abnormalities are more frequent in patients with peripheral neuropathy, but evoked potential can be abnormal even in patients without neuropathy.”

Clinical Neuroscience

“Subluxations of vertebra occur in all parts of the spine and in all degrees. When the dislocation is so slight as to not affect the spinal cord, it will still produce disturbances in the spinal nerves passing off from the foramina.” 9

Dr. James Woddersee, Neurosurgeon

“Hyper functional or Hypo functional neurons along a neural chain prevent normal nerve transmission causing disturbances in the homeostasis of the cells, tissues and organs.” 11

Dr. T. N. Lee

CHIROPRACTIC

Chiropractic is a health care system that is founded on the premise that a properly functioning nervous system is essential to overall health and function of the human body. Chiropractic adjustments restore normal nerve function; improve spinal biomechanics, range of motion, reflex arcs, and posture, all of which are essential to a properly functioning nervous system. Doctors of Chiropractic are experts in spinal structure and body mechanics. Chiropractic adjustments restore and maintain the structural integrity of the body by correcting spinal subluxations. Chiropractors emphasize the importance of posture to overall health, a concept that has been often overlooked in traditional methods of health care.

POSTURE AND HEALTH

Posture and normal physiology are interrelated

Posture affects and moderates every physiological function from breathing to hormonal production

Abnormal posture is evident in patients with chronic and stress related illnesses.

Homeostasis and nervous system function are ultimately connected with posture

Despite the considerable evidence that posture affects physiology and function, the significant influence of posture on health is not addressed by most physicians. 12

The beginning of the disease process begins with postural distortions” 13

Dr. Hans Seyle, Nobel Laureate

THE CHIROPRACTIC LIFESTYLE

Health care is slowly changing from a symptom, disease based system to a function, and performance based system in which the structure of the human body is restored and maintained. Correction and maintenance of the structure of the spine is of paramount importance in the pursuit of optimal health and longevity

In his book, "The Wellness Revolution” economist Paul Zane Pilzer predicts that wellness will become the next trillion-dollar industry. According to Pilzer, wellness is "not about a fad or trend, it's about a new and infinite need of infusing itself into the way we eat, exercise, sleep, works, save, age, and almost every other aspect of our lives." 13

Wellness incorporates all the elements for preventive health care -- nutritious diet, aerobic conditioning, good posture, strength training, rest and periodic spinal adjustments. Wellness really involves all aspects of your life. Although millions of people have experienced relief from back and neck pain through chiropractic care, the focus and intent of chiropractic is far beyond the elimination of symptoms, but rather is in the correction of subluxations in order to ensure a properly functioning nervous system.

“Subluxation alone is a rational reason for Chiropractic care throughout a lifetime from birth.” 14

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Dr. Dale Friar is a former All-American running back and has been in private clinical practice for 25 years. He currently practices in Mt. Pleasant, SC and can be reached at drfriar@bellsouth.net or at 843-971-0540.

Keith Wassung is a nationally known author and speaker in the field of health education and research. The author of over 100 articles on health education and research, Keith makes his home in Goose Creek, SC He can be reached at kwassung@gmail.com or at 1-843-743-8351

Wellness & Prevention: A Matter of Life and Death

The ONLY way to prevent or recover from chronic illness, to get or stay well, is to adopt healthy lifestyle habits.

“Cowardice asks the question, ‘Is it safe?’ Expediency asks the question, ‘Is it politic?’ And Vanity comes along and asks the question, ‘Is it popular?’ But Conscience asks the question, ‘Is it right?’ And there comes a time when we must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but we must do it because Conscience tells us it is right.”

Martin Luther King, Jr.

I feel a moral obligation to share the information because it will save your life, it will save the lives of those you share it with, it will save you money, and, ultimately, it will save our species and our planet.

“As a species humans are facing our greatest threat in history. That threat is chronic illness.” “The Black Plague killed 30 percent of Europe.

Chronic illness is killing 80% of the industrial world.” “Humans are now the sickest species on earth. We have gone from super species to sickest species in less than a century.”

“Never in history has a species suffered with so much illness, with so much cancer, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, depression and other chronic illness.”

“The research is unequivocal; we are in the midst of a chronic illness pandemic that threatens not only our health but the very fabric of our society and the very existence of our species.”

Chronic illness represents the single greatest threat to you, to your family, to your friends, to your success, and to your overall quality and quantity of life.

“We have the sickest children, the sickest teenagers, the sickest adults, and the sickest elderly in the history of our species – in the history of any species.”

“Over half the entire industrial population has chronic illness and over 80 percent of our adult industrial population has chronic illness.”

“Chronic illness is the leading cause of death and suffering; 80 percent of our population is dying or will die from chronic illness.”

“Over 80 percent of our workforce has chronic illness. Chronic illness is responsible for 9 days of absenteeism per employee per year and up to 91 days of lost productivity per employee per year.”

“Chronic illness is the leading cause of personal, corporate, and government debt and bankruptcy.” “The scientific evidence reveals how chronic disease saps our health and economic well-being, placing an unsustainable burden on our nation and our future.”

“Chronic disease impacts every aspect of our lives, from our children’s ability to learn, to our nation’s ability to compete in the global market, from our economic stability to national security.”

The Global Crisis of Chronic Illness

“Noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are the world’s leading causes of mortality, resulting in an estimated 35 million deaths each year.”

“There is a tsunami of chronic preventable disease about to be unleashed into our medical-care system which is increasingly unaffordable.”

Reed Tuckson : United Health Foundation

“Not surprisingly, chronic diseases have become the leading cause of death and disability in the United States” (and all industrial nations).

“Seven out of every 10 deaths are attributable to chronic disease, and illnesses like heart disease and cancer top the list of most common causes of death.” Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease. 2009 Almanac of Chronic Disease

“More than 133 million Americans, or 45% of the population, have at least one chronic condition*. A quarter (26%) of Americans have multiple chronic conditions.

*This statistic is accurate for ALL industrial nations. 45% of the WORLD’S industrial citizens have already developed chronic illness.

Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease. 2009 Almanac of Chronic Disease

Half of the U.S. population has developed chronic illness.

More than two-thirds of the adult population in the U.S. is either overweight or obese.

Less than 25% of adults get adequate servings of fruits and vegetables or follow good nutrition principles.

More than 70% of the U.S. population fails to get enough physical activity to derive any health benefit. 24% of the U.S. population has NO physical activity per day.

The incidence of childhood obesity has tripled in the past 20 years.

The metabolic syndrome is now thought to be present in up to 40% of the U.S. adult population. Rippe, J. et al. Lifestyle Medicine and Health Care Reform. Am J. Lifestyle Med. Nov/Dec 2009

Diabetes increased 61% between 1991 and 2001.

38% of the adult population in the U.S. has high blood pressure.

More than 40% of the adult population has glucose intolerance.

Coronary heart disease, a multiple lifestyle risk illness, is responsible for 37% of all deaths in the U.S.

Obesity, cigarette smoking, and sun burn are responsible for more than 50% of all cancers.

Lack of exercise and poor nutrition are responsible for or contribute to virtually every case of cancer.

Obesity is the leading cause of arthritis in women and second leading cause in men. Rippe, J. et al. Lifestyle Medicine and Health Care Reform. Am J. Lifestyle Med. Nov/Dec 2009

Wellness & Prevention: A Matter of Life and Death

“Despite ever increasing medical spending and medical procedures the rates of chronic illness have been steadily rising for over 50 years.”

“The current system is not working. We don’t need more debate about who should pay for the current healthcare system; we need to start debating about what kind of healthcare is worth paying for.”

Chestnut, J.L. The Wellness & Prevention Paradigm. 2011. TWP Press.

“The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) predicts that, without change, total health expenditures will increase at roughly 6.7% annually from 2007-2017. Based on this prediction, U.S. health spending could reach $4.3 trillion in 2017.”

That represents $12 Billion Dollars per day by 2017

That represents $500 Million Dollars per hour.

That represents over $8 Million Dollars per minute.

That represents over $133,000 Dollars per second.

A 2008 Congressional report estimated that up to 1/3 of these funds ($4 Billion per day) result in ZERO HEALTH BENEFIT.

Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease. 2009 Almanac of Chronic Disease

Every Year it COSTS MORE!

“Each year the U.S. spends more than $6700 for every man, woman, and child on what is essentially “sickness” care. In contrast, virtually every other industrial economy spends less.”

“Every other industrialized economy that expends less money than the U.S. also achieves better health outcomes.”

“For example Greece, which ranks as the 16th largest economy in the world, spends less than $600 for every man, woman, and child on health care. Yet Greece achieves superior outcomes in virtually every recognized international standard of health outcome than does the U.S.”

Wellness & Prevention: A Matter of Life and Death

“Chronic illness is lifestyle illness. Chronic illness rates have risen exponentially since 1900, as have prescription drug use and surgery.”

Our genes have not undergone any significant changes during this short period of time. It can’t be genes.

During this period of exponential increase in chronic illness our genes have remained virtually unchanged but our lifestyle has changed significantly.

The changes in our lifestyle and environment away from what we genetically require as species mirror the increases in chronic illness.

Chestnut, J.L. The Wellness & Prevention Paradigm. 2011. TWP Press.

“Currently, modern chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cancer are the leading killers in Westernized society and are increasing rampantly in developing nations.

In fact, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension are now even commonplace in children.”

“Overwhelming evidence from a variety of sources, including epidemiological, prospective cohort, and intervention studies, links most chronic diseases seen in the world today to physical inactivity and inappropriate diet consumption.”

“There is no longer any serious doubt that what individuals do on a daily basis exerts a profound impact on both their short and long-term health and quality of life.”

“Increasingly the scientific community and the public at large have come to understand that lifestyle habits, whether they be positive or negative, are profoundly important to health and quality of life.”

“Despite the fact that most metabolic diseases could be either ameliorated or eliminated by positive lifestyle practices, a distressingly low percentage of people follow the cluster of lifestyle practices known to decrease these risks.”

“For example, in the Nurses Health Study, only 4% of this population of health care workers followed all of the practices known to lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes.”

(Not smoking, a daily walk, maintaining a healthy BMI, and eating more fruits and vegetables reduced the risk of diabetes by over 90% and heart disease by over 80% in this study.) Percent of Chronic Diseases That

Are Caused by an Unhealthy Lifestyle2006 Wellness Council of America

The Only Viable Solutions

Evidence-Based, Genetically Congruent Lifestyle Intervention

Less Pharmacological and Surgical Intervention.

“Clearly, however, there is a solution to this epidemic of metabolic disease that is inundating today’s societies worldwide: exercise and diet (and healthy emotions).” Roberts, C.K. & Barnard, J.B. Effects of exercise and diet on chronic disease. 2005 J. Appl Physiol 98 3-30.

“Established financial interests drive research and delivery of care based on medication and surgery. There are no incentives to drive doctors to treat disease with lifestyle intervention.”

“Lifestyle intervention, including personalized, science-based prescriptions for diet, exercise, and stress management, however, are not reimbursed or are only partially reimbursed. These therapies are low risk and effective in reversing and preventing chronic diseases.”

Lifestyle is not only a public health issue; it is also a clinical care issue.

Lifestyle intervention is not just about preventing chronic disease but also about treating it, often more effectively and less expensively than relying on drugs and surgery.

There is strong evidence that this approach works and saves money. Unfortunately, insurance doesn’t usually pay for it.

No one profits from lifestyle intervention, so it is not part of medical education and practice. It should be the foundation of our healthcare system.

“Presently, according to the American Heart Association, 1.3 million coronary angioplasty and 448,000 coronary bypass operations are performed annually at a cost of more than $100 billion.”

“Despite these costs, many studies, including one last month in the New England Journal of Medicine, reveal that angioplasties and stents do not prolong life or even prevent heart attacks in stable patients (i.e. 95% of those who receive them).”

“Coronary bypass surgery prolongs life in less than 2% to 3% of patients who receive it.”

“In contrast, the INTERHEART study, published in The Lancet in 2004, followed 30,000 people and found that changing lifestyle could prevent at least 90% of all heart disease.”If we have practitioners that learn how to help patients address the real causes of disease with lifestyle intervention and not just treat disease risk factors (simply the effects of poor lifestyle choices) with medications and surgery, we can save almost $1.9 trillion over 10 years for just 5 major diseases:

“The distinction between risk factors and causes is an important one. High blood pressure, dyslipidemia, and elevated C-reactive protein or glucose are not in and of themselves the real causes of chronic disease but simply surrogate markers that are the effects of environmental toxins, what we eat, how much we exercise, and how we respond to stress.”

“It is because lifestyle addresses not only risk factor modification or reduction. Our lifestyle and environment influence the fundamental biological mechanisms leading to disease: changes in gene expression, which modulate inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysfunction.”

The EPIC study is another among a large evidence base documenting how lifestyle intervention is often more effective in reducing cardiovascular disease, hypertension, heart failure, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and all-cause mortality than any medical intervention.

“Indeed, the only way to truly contain costs in healthcare is to improve outcomes: in a value based system, achieving and maintaining good health is inherently less costly than dealing with poor health.” Porter, M.E. A strategy for health care reform – toward a value-based system. New England Journal of Medicine 2009; 361:109-112.

Spending just $10 per person per year on chronic disease prevention programs would save the U.S. more than $16 billion within 5 years. For every dollar spent on proven prevention programs, the U.S. health care system would save $0.96 in the first two years, $5.60 after five years, and $6.20 after 10-20 years. Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease. 2009 Almanac of Chronic Disease

“Physical activity (such as a brisk walk) can reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease, colon cancer, and type 2 diabetes by as much as 50%.”

Thus simply adding a brisk walk could reduce spending on chronic illness by as much as 1 BILLION DOLLARS PER DAY!!

Walking is FREE! Imagine what happens if you also add eating and thinking well!! Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease. 2009 Almanac of Chronic Disease

The Practitioners: Wellness and Prevention Lifestyle Practitioners

You are in the right place; we teach lifestyle workshops!

“Personalized lifestyle intervention is a high science, high touch, low tech, low-cost treatment that is more effective for the top 5 chronic diseases than our current approaches. Yet it is not taught in medical schools, practiced by medical physicians or delivered in hospitals or medical healthcare settings.” Hyman et al. Lifestyle Medicine: Treating the Causes of Disease. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine Nov/Dec 2010

OUR CLINIC IS A WELLNESS SETTING AND WE DO DELIVER LIFESTYLE INTERVENTION!

Ask us about our lifestyle workshops!

Important Take Home Points

Lifestyle is the single greatest determining (causal) factor in chronic illness. The chronic illness pandemic is a lifestyle pandemic. Suicide by lifestyle is the leading cause of death in the Industrial World. The chronic illness pandemic is the single greatest threat to humanity, to industry, and to government in the history of the world.

The black plague killed 30% of Europe; Chronic Illness is now killing 80% of the Industrial World and this number is rising. Lifestyle intervention MUST create sustained changes.

Chronic illness and chronic health are the result of bioaccumulation. Both health and illness are chronic issues, they are the inevitable consequences of chronic lifestyle choices.

When it comes to chronic illness and chronic health, short term behavior change is irrelevant. The only way to produce better, longer lives is through chronic, sustained, healthy behavior patterns.

No wellness is attained, no chronic illness is prevented, and no money or lives are saved with short term change.

The definition of a healthy lifestyle behavior must be one which is matched to the genetic blueprint for the human species.

The only viable solution for wellness and prevention is adopting lifestyle behaviors which are genetically congruent, that promote the genetic expression of wellness and prevent the genetic expression of chronic illness.

5 Crucial Facts to Remember

Drugs and surgeries never have solved, and never will solve, the pandemic of chronic illness.

Drugs and surgeries are both ineffective and economically unsustainable options for preventing or curing chronic illness.

The only possible solution is wellness and prevention. Fewer sick people is the ONLY hope.

Lifestyle is the only evidence-based, only economical, and only effective wellness and prevention solution. It is the ONLY viable option.

If we Eat Well – Move Well – Think Well™ we get longer, better lives, we have healthier children, we save trillions of dollars, we increase productivity, and we solve the healthcare crisis!

Why is chiropractic an essential component of family wellness in industrial society.

Central to understanding the necessity of chiropractic is understanding that healthy spinal bones and tissues and healthy spinal nerve flow depend on normal spinal motion and alignment.

Decreases in spinal motion in abnormal alignment and posture always result in spinal bone and tissue decay and degeneration and unhealthy spinal nerve flow.

The scientific term for this devastating spine and nervous system condition is Vertebral Subluxation Complex.

Fact: Doctors of chiropractic are the world's only experts in detecting and correcting Vertebral Subluxation Complex.

What is Vertebral Subluxation Complex?

Vertebral Subluxation Complex is a state of abnormal motion and or alignment of the spine causing inflammation and decay in muscles, ligaments, tendons and bone.

This results in toxic amounts sickness removing stress nerve signals called nociception and deficient delivery of energizing, health promoting nerve signals called proprioception to the brain.

Two devastating processes always occur with Vertebral Subluxation Complex. The lack of proper motion, alignment, and neurological coordination causes uneven stresses on the spine and surrounding tissues that leads to inflammation and decay and bones, muscles, discs, ligaments, and tendons.

This spinal decay is termed vertebral subluxation degeneration or osteoarthritis.

These are the structural changes associated with Vertebral Subluxation Complex.

The structural decay can cause a great deal of pain, weakness, and or fatigue.

More importantly, this decay can be causing devastation without symptoms, just like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

The second detrimental process that occurs Vertebral Subluxation Complex, and the one that is most damaging in terms of overall health, is a toxic flow of stress nerve messages and the deficient flow of essential positive nerve energy between the body and brain.

As long as you have Vertebral Subluxation Complex in your spine your cells will always be getting stress signals and their ability to perform the functions of human growth and repair and relaxation and happiness and sleep and digestion and fertility and sex drive will be severely compromised.

If you have Vertebral Subluxation Complex you are always going away from health and vitality in toward early aging, fatigue, and sickness.

Not only does Vertebral Subluxation Complex cause toxic levels nociception and thus stress hormone release, it also results in a deficiency of positive, energizing, heeling and pain inhibition signals called proprioception or mechanoreception.

Movement of the spine causes the stimulation of propriocepters in the muscles, tendons, and discs. Proprioception and mechanoreception signals are considered and essential nutrient for balance and health of the brain and entire mind and body.

When Vertebral Subluxation Complex is present normal spinal motion and alignment are not possible and thus a deficiency of proprioception or mechanoreception results.

In order to understand the devastating effects of a deficiency proprioception caused by Vertebral Subluxation Complex is necessary to understand three scientific facts.

3) chronic decreased immunity, energy, balance, relaxation, happiness, organ function and cognitive function are the root cause of all chronic decreased quality of life and illness.

Every time you have chronic abnormal or decreased spinal motion and or alignment or posture from Vertebral Subluxation Complex you get chronic deficiency in stress reducing, energizing, health, happiness and vitality promoting signals from proprioceptors or mechanoreceptors.

Vertebral Subluxation Complex prevents proper movement and blocks the delivery of one of the most important nutrients for health ever identified!

Without proper proprioception you are literally sick and aging at an accelerated rate.

The presence of Vertebral Subluxation Complex, whether pain is present or not makes proper proprioception impossible.

Yes. In fact Vertebral Subluxation Complex is pandemic in the industrialized world because the way we currently live is filled with physical, emotional, and chemical stressors that cause Vertebral Subluxation Complex.

Do you know of anyone who has not sat with poor posture in the school desk, and a computer, or in front of the TV during their formative childhood years and then for most of their adult life?

Do you know anyone who does not have emotional stress or eat unhealthy foods?

New research commissioned by the British chiropractic Association reveals that 32% of us spent over 10 hours sitting down every day, adding up to an amazing 32 years and four months of our lives.

Over half of the working population sit down all day at work, nearly 50% of those who work refuse to leave their desks, even for lunch!

What do people do after work? Most people spend the majority of their evenings sitting.

Sitting to your spine is like sugar to your teeth.

Kroemer and grandjean. Mental activity and fatigue. Fitting the task to the human: a textbook of occupational ergonomics. 1997

The typical classroom desk is uncomfortable and rigid one size has to fit all students. In addition, students have to lean forward in the seat in order to take lecture notes.

Another study out of Cornell University in published in computers in schools 1998 14 (3-4) found the following:

Children in elementary schools are at risk from sitting at improper workstations that have been designed with little or no regard for musculoskeletal development and this has implications for health problems.

Doctors of chiropractic are the world’s experts detecting and correcting Vertebral Subluxation Complex.

In terms of detecting and correcting neuromusculoskeletal problems scientific evidence clearly indicates chiropractors are the most highly trained and often the most clinically cost-effective care currently available.

Clinical studies in workers compensation studies indicate that chiropractic care is the most cost-effective choice by as much as tenfold.

A recent study published in the archives of internal medicine show the simple insurance parity of access to chiropractic only lowered the overall cost of care, it also you don't critical hospital and diagnostic resources.

Dr. Hayek reported that only the group which underwent spinal manipulation (by any of the 4 commonly used manipulative treatment protocols [activator,SOT,Gonstead,Diversified] displayed significant improvement in asthma symptoms and depression and anxiety scores.

Simple experience and structured interviews at the treatment centers or being monitored at home did not yield these improvements. In addition, patients actually undergoing spinal manipulation displayed dramatic increases of IGA and decreases cortisol through the post treatment period.

The exact amount of time your Vertebral Subluxation Complex will take to correct will depend on several factors.

How long your Vertebral Subluxation Complex has been present.

How severely Vertebral Subluxation Complex has degenerated and decayed spinal tissues and posture.

Other areas of toxicity and deficiency that are hampering your healing – your current health status and healing potential.

We cannot change how long your Vertebral Subluxation Complex has been present or how much damage leaving it uncorrected has caused.

However, influencing the other areas of toxicity and deficiency will have a profound influence on how long it takes to reach your healing potential.

Addressing these issues is what the wellness practice program has given us expertise in, pure sufficient cells heal faster and more completely.

This is how to get superior results and why we have the patient satisfaction levels we have. If you follow our recommendations you will heal faster, heal more completely, and save money. You will also experience greater overall health and vitality.

What about pain and other symptoms?

Wellness interventions do not use symptoms to determine your care plan. Focusing on symptoms is a medical approach not healing and wellness approach. Taking drugs can dull your pain but only correcting the problem can heal you and remove this source of pain.

What drug could ever fix a cavity in your tooth or Vertebral Subluxation Complex in the spine?

Most of your symptoms are signals that something is wrong but because much of what you are suffering from may be due to unnatural stressors that you are not genetically equipped to recognize, you can be a long way out of balance and homeostasis without symptoms.

It is also possible to have a lot of symptoms without being a long way out of balance or away from homeostasis.

In fact, sometimes healing can be uncomfortable because it involves your genes having to adapt cell function. Change can be painful.

Think about people trying to get off drugs like cocaine or coffee or trying to get in shape by starting to exercise. All of these require healing gene expression changes that can result in symptoms and discomfort. This does not mean it is not healthy or making them worse!! The same can be true of correcting Vertebral Subluxation Complex and other toxicities and deficiencies. Sometimes you feel worse while you are getting better.

Healing is a process just like getting sick is. You will regain your cell function and health gradually because all healing takes time.

Sometimes your symptoms will go away quickly.

Sometimes you symptoms go away gradually.

Sometimes your symptoms will come and go for a while.

Sometimes your symptoms will get worse before they get better.

How long do you need to keep having your spine checked for Vertebral Subluxation Complex?

How long do you need to keep brushing your teeth?

How long do you need to keep exercising?

How long you need to keep eating healthy foods?

How long do you need to keep thinking positively?

For as long as you want to keep healthy!!

Maintaining the proper function, posture, and health of your spine and nervous system is simply a necessary, intelligent, healthy lifestyle choice.

It is no different than choosing to be healthy and attractive by maintaining your teeth, exercising, eating well, and thinking positively.

Modern industrialized life is as hard on your spine as it is on your teeth. Vertebral Subluxation Complex is a natural consequence of living in our industrial environment. Vertebral Subluxation Complex represents both toxicity and deficiency.